Call Bank of America or visit a branch to request a voided check
The fastest way to get a voided check from Bank of America is to call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for a voided check. A representative can often print one on the spot and mail it to you, or you can walk into any Bank of America branch with your debit card or account information and request one in person. In-branch requests usually take a few minutes.
If you call, have your account number ready. The bank will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions. Once verified, they will print a check with "VOID" stamped across it and mail it to your address on file. Mailing typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
A voided check is a real check from your account with routing and account numbers printed on it, but marked so it cannot be deposited or cashed. Banks void checks to prevent accidental or fraudulent use while you share the routing and account information with a third party—usually for setting up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or ACH transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person to request a voided check; in-branch requests are fastest.
- A voided check contains your routing number and account number but is marked so it cannot be cashed or deposited.
- Bank of America will mail a voided check to your address on file within 5 to 10 business days if you request by phone.
- You need a voided check to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or ACH transfers with employers, payroll services, or billers.
- Do not share a voided check with anyone you do not trust, because it contains the information needed to initiate transfers from your account.
What information is on a voided check
A voided check displays your Bank of America routing number, account number, and check number in the standard locations on a check. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies Bank of America and the specific branch or processing center. Your account number is unique to your checking account. Both pieces of information are printed in magnetic ink at the bottom of the check and are readable by machines.
The word "VOID" is stamped or printed across the face of the check in large letters to signal that it cannot be used as a payment instrument. This marking does not change the routing or account numbers—it simply prevents the check from being processed if someone tries to deposit or cash it. The voided check remains a valid proof of your banking information for setting up transfers and payments.
In-person requests at a Bank of America branch
Walking into a branch is the quickest option if you need a voided check the same day. Bring your debit card or state ID and your account number. Tell the teller you need a voided check. They will print one immediately and hand it to you before you leave.
Branch hours vary by location, so check the hours for your nearest branch on the Bank of America website before you go. Some branches are open on Saturdays, but most close by 6 p.m. on weekdays. If you do not have a debit card or ID, the teller may still be able to help if you can answer security questions to verify your identity.
Phone requests and mailing timelines
When you call 1-800-432-1000, select the option for account services or checking account questions. Tell the representative you need a voided check. They will verify your identity and confirm the mailing address on your account. The bank will print the check and place it in the mail within one to two business days.
Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 10 business days from the time the bank sends it. If you need the check faster, ask the representative whether expedited mail or overnight shipping is available; some branches may offer this for a fee. Do not assume the check will arrive by a specific date—plan ahead if you need it for a deadline.
Using a voided check for direct deposit and bill payments
Employers and payroll services ask for a voided check to set up direct deposit of your paycheck. Your employer uses the routing and account numbers to send your pay directly to your Bank of America account instead of issuing a paper check. This is faster and more secure than mailed checks.
Billers—utilities, insurance companies, loan servicers—also request voided checks to set up automatic bill payments. They use your routing and account numbers to pull payments from your account on a schedule you agree to. Some billers will accept a bank statement or a letter from the bank showing your routing and account numbers instead of a physical voided check, so ask before requesting one.
ACH transfers between your own accounts or to another person's account also require routing and account numbers. A voided check is one way to provide this information, but you can also give the numbers verbally or type them into a secure form on the bank's website.
Security and what not to do with a voided check
A voided check contains the information someone needs to set up unauthorized transfers or payments from your account. Do not email a voided check or send it through an unsecured messaging app. Do not post it on social media or leave it where others can see it. Only share a voided check with organizations you trust and that have a legitimate reason to set up a transfer or payment.
If you lose a voided check or send it to the wrong person, contact Bank of America immediately. You can request that the bank issue a new account number, though this is usually reserved for cases of fraud or identity theft. For routine situations, the bank may simply monitor your account for suspicious activity.
If someone uses your routing and account numbers without permission to set up a payment or transfer, you can dispute the transaction. Contact Bank of America as soon as you notice it. The bank has procedures to reverse unauthorized ACH transactions, though the timeline depends on when you report it and how far the transaction has progressed.
Alternatives if you cannot get to a branch
If you cannot visit a branch or prefer not to call, you may be able to view your routing and account numbers online through your Bank of America account. Log into your checking account on the website or mobile app, go to account details or account information, and look for the routing number and account number. You can write these numbers on a blank piece of paper and use them in place of a voided check for some purposes.
However, some employers and billers specifically require a voided check as proof that the numbers are correct. In those cases, you will need to request one from the bank. If you are uncomfortable calling or visiting a branch, ask a trusted family member or friend to request the voided check on your behalf, or contact the bank through its secure message system on the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a voided check if I do not have a debit card?
Yes. Bring a state ID or passport to a branch, or call customer service and answer security questions to verify your identity. The bank does not require a debit card to issue a voided check.
How many voided checks can I request at once?
Bank of America will typically print one or a small number of voided checks per request. If you need multiple copies, ask the representative how many they can provide, or make separate requests a few days apart.
What if I do not have an address on file with the bank?
Update your address through your online account or by calling customer service before requesting a voided check. The bank will mail it to the address on file, so it must be current and correct.
Can I use a bank statement instead of a voided check?
Some employers and billers will accept a recent bank statement that shows your routing and account numbers. Ask the organization first before requesting a voided check from the bank.
What if someone deposits a voided check by mistake?
The check will be rejected because it is marked void. The depositing bank will return it, and no money will be transferred from your account. You do not need to take action unless the check is used fraudulently, which is unlikely because the void marking prevents processing.